Origami and Ipsen join forces on protein degradation in neuroscience

French biopharmaceutical company Ipsen has entered a global collaboration and option agreement with San Diego-based biotech Origami Therapeutics to advance a small-molecule protein degrader program targeting a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disorder. The deal strengthens Ipsen’s early-stage neuroscience pipeline while giving Origami a potential path toward global development and commercialization.

Under the agreement, Ipsen has secured an exclusive option to license the research program worldwide once a drug candidate is nominated. If Ipsen activates the option, it will take over responsibility for clinical development and commercialization. Origami will continue leading the research phase and is eligible for upfront payments, milestone-based compensation, and royalties.

The partnership reflects growing interest in protein degradation as a disease-modifying strategy beyond oncology, where the approach first gained traction. In neurodegenerative diseases, toxic proteins accumulate over time, damaging neurons and driving irreversible decline. Targeted degradation aims to remove those harmful proteins while preserving normal cellular function.

A selective approach to disease modification

Origami Therapeutics has built its program on its proprietary Oricision platform, which designs small-molecule protein degraders capable of engaging the body’s natural protein disposal systems. Unlike conventional inhibitors, degraders seek to eliminate disease-causing proteins rather than simply blocking their activity. For neurological disorders, small molecules are especially promising because they are more likely to cross the blood–brain barrier, a major challenge in central nervous system drug development. Origami’s technology leveraging small molecules focuses on precision and selectivity, with the goal of limiting off-target effects while addressing the root cause of disease.

Steve Glyman, senior vice president and head of neuroscience research and development at Ipsen, said the collaboration fits squarely within the company’s strategy. “Their approach aligns seamlessly with Ipsen’s strong rare neuroscience heritage and expertise in small-molecule innovation, enabling us to advance first- and best-in-class therapies for people living with debilitating conditions where treatment options remain limited,” he said.

Building on a growing neuroscience pipeline

For Ipsen, the deal adds another preclinical program in rare neurodegenerative diseases, an area where few disease-modifying treatments exist. Origami, meanwhile, gains access to a global partner with experience in late-stage development and regulatory pathways. “Ipsen brings deep expertise in rare neuroscience and global development, making them an ideal partner as we advance this program toward the clinic. Together, we share a commitment to translating cutting-edge biology into meaningful therapies for patients who currently have limited or no treatment options”, said Beth Hoffman, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Origami Therapeutics

From startup science to industry collaboration

Founded to apply protein degradation to disorders of the brain, Origami has advanced multiple discovery programs and positioned its lead candidate in Huntington’s disease, ORI-113, as a potential proof point for its platform.

Support from early-stage innovation ecosystems, including Origami’s participation in the Y Combinator accelerator in Winter 2022, helped accelerate that progress, but the collaboration with Ipsen marks a new phase. It signals confidence from a large biopharmaceutical group that targeted protein degradation could open a viable therapeutic path in rare neurodegenerative diseases, where patients still face limited options and relentless disease progression.